India vs New Zealand 1st Test: Rishabh Pant suffers knee injury, Rohit Sharma optimistic for quick return to field

Team India captain Rohit Sharma reassured about wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant's injury after the second day's play against New Zealand in Bengaluru, revealing that Pant suffered a blow to his left knee, the same knee that had previously undergone surgery.

Rohit Sharma said, “Rishabh got hit on the left knee, the same as he had surgery. So, he left the field more as a precautionary measure. Hopefully, we can see him back on the field tomorrow.”

"Hopefully, tonight he can recover …," added Rohit.

The captain further noted that Pant is experiencing some swelling and tenderness in the affected area. "He has got a little bit of swelling, and the muscles are quite tender at this point in time."

The incident raised concerns due to Pant's recent comeback to competitive play after suffering multiple injuries from a major road accident in December 2022.

Pant could not collect a sharply spun ball from Ravindra Jadeja, who was bowling from over the wicket, and the ball hit his knee in the 37th over of New Zealand's first innings.

This incident led to immediate attention from the team's physiotherapists, and Pant had to leave the field and was subsequently replaced by Dhruv Jurel.

Earlier, Pant, who scored 20 runs, was the top performer in India's total of 46.

India suffers historic batting collapse

Team India suffered a historic collapse against New Zealand in the first innings on Thursday, Day 2 of the Test match. Day 1 was cancelled due to rain. India was bowled out for a mere 46 runs, marking their lowest-ever total in a Test match on home soil.

This dismal performance saw five Indian batsmen dismissed for ducks, making it the first time the team failed to surpass the 50-run mark in a Test innings at home. The last time five Indian players failed to score against New Zealand in a Test match at home was during the Mohali Test in 1999.

The previous record for the lowest Test innings total at home for India was 75 runs, nearly 37 years ago against the West Indies in Delhi.

New Zealand dominate with 134-run lead

New Zealand was at 180 for three in their first innings, responding to India's total of 46 all out. The Kiwis secured a lead of 134 runs by the end of the day's play. Devon Conway scored 91, and Will Young contributed 33, forming a 75-run partnership after the loss of Tom Latham for 15 runs. Rachin Ravindra (22) and Daryl Mitchell (14) remained at the crease when play was halted for the day due to poor light.